MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
For John and Annette Van Bruggen, the idea for The Mary Magdalene House was born out of their own family’s story — and the realization that no one should have to face mental illness, addiction or trauma alone.
Married for nearly 30 years, the couple built their family through adoption and, later, a surprise pregnancy. But as their children grew up, two of them began battling serious mental illness. The experience left Annette, a longtime junior high teacher, searching for support she often didn’t find.
“There were so many lonely places,” Annette said. “I spent a lot of time on my knees asking God for help, and I realized there had to be a place for families to feel less alone.”
That vision became The Mary Magdalene House — a faith-based mission in Hutchinson that provides refuge, counseling, and connection groups for people who feel like society’s “least of these.”
The name draws inspiration from the biblical figure who was the first to see the risen Christ on Easter morning. Mary Magdalene — once tormented by demons — reminds the Van Bruggens that no one is beyond hope or a fresh start.
“She was not okay before Jesus got a hold of her,” Annette said. “Even among Jesus’ closest followers, she was seen as the least. And that’s who we’re here for — the people the world finds easy to ignore.”
The Mary Magdalene House runs pastoral counseling, connection groups for foster and adoptive parents, mental health support groups, grief sessions, and classes for young adults aging out of foster care. Many of these gatherings happen around the kitchen table.
“We believe so many of life’s problems are solved in the kitchen,” Annette said. “When people stir jam together, talk flows easier. That’s why we have our jam ministry — it’s about creating a safe place where people can talk, laugh and cry.”
This summer, the organization is hosting an unusual fundraiser: a “stay-at-home” event on July 15. Instead of a formal dinner or auction, the Van Bruggens are asking supporters to stay home with their families and simply make a donation.
“We don’t want you to get dressed up or hire a babysitter,” Annette said. “Stay home, eat dinner together, watch a movie — and if you donate $50 or more, you’ll be entered to win six months of free jam.”
Proceeds help keep the mission’s connection groups and pastoral counseling free. The nonprofit recently expanded, opening a new chapel that seats 200 and serves as a weekend retreat space to help cover operating costs.
Most of all, Annette says, they want people to know they are not alone.
“We know what it’s like to sit in an office and be judged when your child is struggling. We want to stand in that gap for other families,” she said.
For more about The Mary Magdalene House, its programs and the stay-at-home fundraiser, visit www.marymagdalenehouse.com.